This Ebisu restaurant combines two of Japan’s favourite Chinese-derived dishes into one: ramen and mapo tofu. While the flat and thick noodles are al dente as you would expect of good ramen, it’s the mapo tofu that’s really the star here.
At Marleyken, the signature spicy Szechuan dish is satisfyingly rich and meaty like the best ragu. Moreover, it’s edging closer to an Indian masala curry, with a complex yet balanced mix of ten spices including cumin and cardamom. A finishing sprinkle of cashew nuts and coriander gives this filling noodle dish a freshness and some crunch.
A regular (and generous) portion of Marleyken mapo tofu ramen is priced at a pocket friendly ¥900. Which makes it even more tempting to load up on toppings such as onsen egg (¥100), lightly torched charsiu pork (¥250) and grilled tomato (¥100). As for the leftover mapo tofu after you’ve finished the noodles, get a small portion of turmeric rice (¥50) to clean up the bowl. Then, expect to fall into a blissful food coma.